The Empress (GirlxGirl)

Chapfer 38 - Parenting

Astoria's POV

I watched as Sarah, Adelaide's maid pouring herself a glass of drink before taking it all with one gulp.

"That's a strong alcohol." Sarah gave me a look.

"With the mission you gave me, this is not enough." I took a seat on the chair while watching Sarah getting herself settled.

"I did what you told me to do. I pretended to be a noblewoman and infiltrated the neighbouring kingdom's high society and spread rumours about the fall of Tempest. What's next?" I smiled.

"Let me ask you a question, Sarah. What makes an empire great?" Sarah shrugged.

"It's allies. So I want you to enter Grodic Kingdom high society, be invited into one of its annual royal ball and show them how frightening the empire we are building right now. Can you do that?" Sarah nodded.

"Yes but why Grodic? That kingdom doesn't have anything  worth fighting for. Even if they get to be part of our alliance, what can they bring into the table? They are the poorest kingdom among the rest." I leaned back to my seat and smiled.

"They may be the poorest but they have the strongest military power compare to us combined. The North may be the expert when it comes dealing with monsters, but the Grodic knights are masters in strategic warfare. Our new empire needs them. I'm sure Adelaide with understand the reason why I'm going behind her back." Sarah seems speechless as she looks at me.

"So this is what you've been doing behind my back?" My eyes widen when I heard Adelaide's voice.

There is a reason why I kept this hidden from Adelaide- and that's because she is a menace to everyone.

"I can explain." Adelaide smiled before she takes a seat.

"No need to explain. I can see where this is going. Besides, I trust Sarah's judgments. She wouldn't agree if she didn't see any benefits to it. But I do appreciate it if you would tell me these sort of things in the future. Okay?" I nodded.

Somehow I felt rather uncomfortable as Adelaide place her hand on my shoulder. Is she angry? But her expression doesn't show any sort of emotions. It's too nonchalant for me to understand.

"Now, I heard something about Grodic Kingdom. Are you aiming for its military power?" I nodded. Adelaide hummed before she takes a seat.

"The location where Grodic Kingdom is quite strategic for trade. If we could control Grodic, we could gain access into its mountain range and used them as trade route. The reason why that kingdom is the poorest is because they decided not to make used of their geographical benefits." Huh?

"Milady, don't tell me you've been eyeing Grodic Kingdom as well." Adelaide smiled.

"Yes. I've never consider its military power so thank you for reminded me. We are building a new nation from ashes of the past. We need strong reason for others to come and explore our new empire. Not everyone are eager for a change. The nobles of other nations are probably laughing at us for being so bold." I see.

It's been five years since the fall of Tempest. Adelaide has been doing her best while I support her in terms of dealing with the remaining enemies. The burden this woman carried are vast. But never once I saw her fade.

"Oh- I was looking for you for another reason. The twins are looking for you. They probably at the training field with Moloch." Huh? The twins? I got up from my seat and excuse myself.

"Astoria- just be careful." Why would Adelaide warn me to be careful? I nodded with a smile and leave the two alone to see the twins. As I made my way towards the training field, I could sense such a strong demonic aura coming from the field.